The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified key sections of the timetable released by Independent National Electoral Commission for pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, ruling that the commission exceeded its statutory powers under the Electoral Act 2026.
Justice M. G. Umar, in a judgement delivered on Wednesday, struck down major aspects of INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 polls, particularly those relating to party primaries and post-primary processes.
The court held that the electoral body could not lawfully shorten timelines already guaranteed under the Electoral Act.
Affected portions of the timetable include the schedule for political party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and replacement of candidates, as well as the publication of the final list of candidates for the 2027 elections.
The suit was filed by the Youth Party, which challenged several provisions of INEC’s revised election timetable issued on February 26.
The ruling comes at a critical stage when many political parties are close to completing their primaries ahead of the elections. The ruling All Progressives Congress, for instance, has reportedly concluded most of its primaries except the presidential contest.
According to the judgement, INEC cannot reduce the statutory period granted to political parties under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.
“A declaration is made that having regard to Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 which requires political parties to submit the personal particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days to an election, the defendant cannot lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period by prescribing a shorter timeframe in its 2027 elections,” the court ruled.
The judgement also extended the deadline for registered political parties to submit updated membership registers to September, overturning INEC’s earlier May 10 deadline.
The decision could significantly reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, as aspirants who lost party primaries may now have more time to defect to other parties and pursue their ambitions.
INEC had fixed the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The dispute also centred on INEC’s “Regulations for the Conduct of Political Party Primaries,” a framework introduced to guide political parties in nominating candidates and promoting internal democracy.
The regulations, first introduced in 2014 during the tenure of former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega, were designed to ensure transparency and equal participation in party primaries.
Under the framework, political parties are required to notify INEC at least 21 days before conducting primaries and provide details including venues, delegates, aspirants and the mode of primaries to be adopted.
The regulations also empower INEC to monitor party primaries and assess compliance with electoral laws and party constitutions.
However, the latest court ruling is expected to force the electoral commission back to the drawing board as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.
